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LOT 137

CGP OSA PRCA
1898 - 1967
Canadian

The Cab Stand, St. Louis Gate, Quebec
oil on canvas, circa 1924
signed and on verso titled on the gallery label
19 x 24 in, 48.3 x 61 cm

Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD

Sold for: $79,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Galerie Walter Klinkhoff Inc., Montreal
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. William P. Wilder, Toronto

LITERATURE
Harold Beament, Robert W. Pilot Retrospective, 1968, the 1924 sketch for this canvas entitled Cabbies, Porte St. Louis reproduced page 44


One of the most important subjects for Canadian Impressionist Robert Pilot was Quebec City. Here the backdrop is the historic architecture of the Saint-Louis Gate at the entrance to Quebec City’s upper old town, part of the ramparts encircling the city that date back to the seventeenth century. Another architectural element is the charming cabstand, with its pointed roof and small spire. The horse-drawn cabs were an important part of life in the city – and a very colourful subject. This gathering as they wait for customers is charming, with the horses’ bright blankets, patient stances and tossing heads. As these horse-drawn cabs disappeared due to the advent of cars, scenes like this became exquisitely nostalgic. Pilot’s treatment of snow here is masterful, showing caramel-coloured snow trampled into the ground under the horses, the grey of the path leading beyond, and the pure-white snow lying in drifts and across the top of the ramparts and the cabstand, lighting up the scene with its brightness. The softly modulated clouds, delicately tinted with blue and cream, show Pilot's understanding and mastery of the Impressionist approach to light.

For the biography on Mr. and Mrs. William P. Wilder in PDF format please click here.


Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD

All prices are in Canadian Dollars


Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.